Luhut And Erick Thohir Suspected Of PCR Business, Mahfud MD: Please Research, Calculate, And Audit

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD (Irfan Meidianto/VOI)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, invites the public or anyone to conduct audits and calculations related to the procurement of PCR test kits.

This was conveyed after the alleged involvement of the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, and the Minister of SOEs, Erick Thohir, in the procurement business for profit.

"Please continue to be researched, calculated, and audited. The public also has the right to criticize. The truth will be seen later", Mahfud said in a written statement, Sunday, November 14.

Mahfud said Luhut and Erick Thohir had indeed co-founded PT Genomik Solidaritas Indonesia (GSI). However, this is done solely to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, not to make a profit.

"I don't mean to defend LBP and Erick. I'm just explaining the context of the need when we were terrorized and terrorized by COVID-19 and there was a need for a massive movement to look for test kits and drugs", he said.

"Initially, LBP, Erick Thohir, and their friends formed a Foundation to help the community in the procurement of drugs and COVID test kits. The foundation established PT Genomik Solidaritas Indonesia (GSI), which include procuring PCR, the distribution of which is paid for and some is free", added Mahfud.

As previously reported, former YLBHI Director, Agustinus Edy Kristianto, said several government ministers of President Joko Widodo were involved in the PCR test business. He said the ministers were affiliated with GSI, a provider of COVID-19 testing services.

According to him, the company was founded by several large companies. He linked Erick to the Adaro Bangun Negeri Foundation which is related to PT Adaro Energy Tbk (ADRO). The company is headed by Erick's brother, Boy Thohir.

In addition, Edy also mentioned the name of the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Panjaitan. According to him, Luhut was involved through PT Toba Bumi Energi and PT Toba Sejahtra, a subsidiary of PT TBS Energi Utama Tbk (TOBA).

This allegation was later reported to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) by the People's Fair and Prosperous Party (PRIMA).

However, the anti-corruption commission is still conducting a study to determine whether the alleged profit-making from the PCR business is by their duties and functions by Article 11 of Law Number 19 of 2019. If appropriate, the KPK will then follow up by clarifying and collecting other evidence.